USA Basketball to Play Two Showcase Games in London in July
The games against South Sudan and Germany will serve as prep for the Olympics
Posted On: December 12, 2023 By :The USA Basketball men’s national team will play pre-Olympic games in London against South Sudan and Germany at the O2 Arena, its first appearance in England since winning the gold medal at the 2012 Olympic Summer Games.
Hosted in partnership between USA Basketball and TEG, the Americans will play South Sudan on July 20 and reigning FIBA World Cup champion Germany on July 22. The event will be organized as the USA Basketball Showcase with both games airing on Fox.
“USA Basketball is looking forward to the excitement of an Olympic year and the opportunity to take the USA Basketball Showcase to London,” said Jim Tooley, USA Basketball chief executive officer. “Facing South Sudan and Germany will provide optimal training opportunities as we prepare to defend our gold medal in Paris and we are thrilled to host them next summer.”
The U.S. qualified for the 2024 Olympic Summer Games as one of the top two nations from the FIBA Americas zone at the 2023 FIBA World Cup in September. The American men will compete for their fifth straight Olympic gold medal and 17th overall.
In total, USA Basketball will be represented by four teams at the 2024 Games, including 5-on-5 men and women and 3×3 men and women. The USA are reigning Olympic champions in 5-on-5 men and women and 3×3 women. The 3×3 men are set to make their Olympic debut next summer.
The U.S. men’s national team will start its Olympic preparations with training camp in Las Vegas, its longtime training hub. More information including training camp details, additional games and team rosters will be announced at a later date.
“As a young and developing program, South Sudan Basketball recognizes and appreciates the significance of each stage of our progress. We accept this invitation as a welcome opportunity to compete at an elite level,” said Luol Deng, former NBA player and current president of the South Sudan Basketball Federation. “The USA Basketball Showcase will be a valued addition to our preparation for Paris and I look forward to the experience being in London, where my journey as an Olympian began 12 years ago.”
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